No stranger to the world of virtual motorsport, Max Verstappen is about to jump back into a GT3 car for the first time since his class-leading performance at the Nurburgring 24 Hours in May. On October 17, he will pilot the No. 3 Mercedes-AMG GT3 for the GT World Challenge Europe finale at Portimao, sharing driving duties with Chris Lulham and Ben Barnicoat. The seat opened up because Dani Juncadella and Jules Gounon are tied up at the World Endurance Championship that same weekend. Meanwhile, [Valentino Rossi] will be on the same grid in a WRT-run BMW, creating a must-watch event.
Verstappen GT3
While most high-end setups rely on motion platforms to mimic G-forces, the Red Bull star deliberately sticks to a static configuration. Speaking on Team Redline's YouTube channel, he explained: "I'm driving at home on a static rig because it's faster. All these kinds of motion rigs are slower but of course, if you want to try and replicate a little bit of what you feel in real life, then yeah, you buy a motion rig. But I think it's not really necessary at the moment."
At his home in Monaco, Max Verstappen trains using Simucube ActivePedals, a Precision Sim Engineering LM-X wheel, and triple 32-inch curved Samsung Odyssey G7 displays, powered by a Leo Bodnar SimSteering2 Ultimate wheelbase and a Custom Recaro Podium seat. An F1 World Drivers' Championship trophy sits right beside the rig, alongside a branded mini-fridge.
For software, iRacing remains his primary training ground. Whatever happens in Portimao, Max Verstappen will arrive with countless hours logged in his virtual cockpit.
In the current championship standings, Max Verstappen sits in 6th place with 163 points.
Source: Motorsport
